First Press Article The Sentinel

Mum is 'made up' with new business venture selling cosmetics

A mother-of-two who runs a successful Beauty Salon is using her knowledge of the industry to launch her next business venture.

Amanda Hargreaves opened B Beautiful, in Northwood, more than 12 years ago, offering a range of treatments including facials, waxing, beauty and nails.

The former bank manager has built up an extensive client-base and has already started to take bookings for Christmas.

But now the 37-year-old is preparing to take on a new challenge after launching a cosmetics business selling make-up developed entirely by herself.

Amanda, who is mum to five-year-old Amber and Hope, aged seven, has launched AHB Cosmetics to promote and sell her own-brand products.

She has spent 18 months developing a highlight palette and brush – inspired by the latest, upcoming trends.

Amanda has developed a highlight pallette and brush inspired by the latest, upcoming trends.

She said: “It all started in 2015 when I went to Hong Kong for an exhibition. I had always had this idea of developing my own products and I had been keeping my eye on what was happening in the beauty industry.

"My husband encouraged me to go for it and I got to work on developing my own cosmetics. I have designed and developed everything from scratch, right down to the packaging.

“My inspiration comes from places like Korea and Hong Kong. The palette is aimed at people like me, mums who don't have time every morning to sit and contour, or those who aren't massively confident in applying make-up.

“We've managed to develop a formula which will fit in with anybody's make-up regime and to suit every skin tone."

The product has now officially been launched and is available online and from Amanda's salon, in Keelings Road, which is the only stockist.

Amanda, of Tunstall, added: “I've been using the products on my existing clients at the salon and the feedback has been really positive. I've been teasing the products on Instagram for a while and I've already had inquiries from customers in America and Dubai.

“The dream would be to get the products on the shelves at high-end retailers such as Selfridges and Harvey Nichols, but I'm focusing on online sales at the moment to see how it goes. I've already started working on new products for Christmas and next Spring."